The Barnard College Chemistry Department offers courses for undergraduates who plan to major or minor in the physical and life sciences, as well as for students pursuing other liberal arts degrees. The department offers majors and minors in chemistry and biochemistry, both approved by the American Chemical Society.

In a three-year sequence of core courses, students gain familiarity with the basic areas of the field: inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and biological chemistry. Extensive laboratory work prepares students for success in graduate or professional research programs. The department contains modern laboratories designed for coursework and independent projects, and students may undertake independent research projects under faculty guidance during the academic year or over the summer.

Chemistry Department Mission Statement

Chemistry, the study of the formation and properties of molecules and materials, is central to the advancement of science and technology.

As a liberal arts college for women in New York City, Barnard has a special opportunity to promote the education of smart, intellectually curious, and highly motivated young individuals.

Within this context, the chemistry department’s mission is:

To provide a complete chemical education through coursework, laboratory training, and research experience

To develop scientific literacy among Barnard students through a vigorous study of chemistry and biochemistry

To help students develop skills in critical thinking and analysis, written and oral communication, chemical literature, laboratory safety, and teamwork, which will prepare them for their future careers and roles as responsible contributors to their local, national, and global communities

To support faculty and student research, which results in student coauthored, peer-reviewed scientific publications

Congratulations Karen Goldberg ('83) current Vagelos Chair of Energy Research at UPenn on her election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Karen joins Jackie Barton('74), the John G. Kirkwood and Arthur A. Noyes Professor of Chemistry and Norman Davidson Leadership Chair of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology, in the National Academy of Sciences